The Northwest University Sokoto (NWUS), in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), held its Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) orientation programme on Thursday for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event, held at the University Auditorium, brought together officials of the ITF, principal officers of the institution, SIWES supervisors, academic staff, and hundreds of students preparing to embark on their industrial training.
Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s opening remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr Jamil Lukman Ahmad, who represented the VC, Prof. Mukhtar Umar Bunza, described the programme as a critical transition point for students. He said SIWES serves as a bridge between classroom theory and workplace realities, equipping students with practical skills, professional exposure and problem-solving abilities demanded by today’s labour market.
Dr Lukman expressed gratitude to the ITF for its continued partnership, noting that by accepting NWUS students into various organisations, the ITF and its industry partners are contributing significantly to grooming future professionals.
The Area Manager of the ITF Sokoto Area Office, Mohammed Jibrin, represented by the Head of Training, Yusuf Zakari, took the students through SIWES operational guidelines, including details on placement procedures and the preparation of the master list.
He disclosed that Northwest University is the first private institution in the zone to collaborate with the ITF in organising the SIWES programme.
He emphasised the need for students to adhere strictly to the rules to ensure a smooth and rewarding training experience. Also speaking, the ITF Head of Accounts and Finance, Sufyan Abubakar, sensitised the participants on proper logbook documentation and the processes for accessing students’ allowances.
The university management urged students to embrace the exercise with seriousness, curiosity and integrity, describing it as an integral part of their academic journey. The programme featured interactive sessions aimed at ensuring students are fully prepared for their forthcoming industrial attachment.
The University’s SIWES Coordinator, Dr Bashir Alhassan, commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bunza, for approving the programme, and the ITF Sokoto Area Office for its collaboration. He also urged the students to take full advantage of the opportunity provided to them by the university management.
In attendance at the event are Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr Jamil Kamal; Deputy Registrar, Dr Bashir Garba; Bursar, Sarkin Baki, Alhaji Garba Shinkafi; Chief Librarian, Dean, Student Affairs, Dr Mukhtar Hassan; Director, MIS, Dr Ibraheem Aminu; Acting Director GST, Dr Abdullahi Labbo, among many others.
